TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The subject specification relates generally to a distributed directory and in particular
to automatically arranging information upon the distributed directory.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Industrial control environments can typically involve complex mechanical, electronic,
electro-mechanical, and/or robotic machinery that perform various automated mechanical
and/or electrical functions. Such machinery can include industrial motors, pumps,
conveyors, escalators, drills, refrigeration systems, and so on, that can provide
a particular physical output. Typically, an industrial environment utilizes one or
more control devices to determine when to activate or deactivate such machinery, as
well as an appropriate level of activation, (
e.
g., an amount of current to supply a variable input motor). Additionally, the control
devices are associated with logical program code that can determine an appropriate
time, degree, manner,
etc., to operate such machinery based on various determinable circumstances (
e.
g., output of another device, reading of an optical sensor, electronic measurement
such as current level in a device, movement or number of rotations of a device, and
so on).
[0003] Different controls can be used to provide protective features in an industrial environment.
If a user attempts to make a change upon the industrial environment, then various
checks can take place to discover if a user is authorized to make the change, such
as requesting the user to enter a username and password. In addition, the user can
be provided various tools that can assist in making changes to the industrial environment,
including providing a template to be used to make different modifications.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following discloses a simplified summary of the specification to provide a basic
understanding of some aspects of the specification. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the specification. It is intended to neither identify key or critical
elements of the specification nor delineate the scope of the specification. Its sole
purpose is to disclose some concepts of the specification in a simplified form as
a prelude to the more detailed description that is disclosed later.
[0005] Conventionally, a general directory holds information concerning an industrial control
system. Various details about units integrated into the system as well as data about
operation of the control system as a whole are published in the directory and can
be accessed by various units. Specific examples of data commonly in a directory are
locations of controllers and capabilities. However, numerous difficulties can occur
in conventional directory implementation. In an illustrative example, directories
commonly have a single point of failure and if a malfunction takes place upon the
directory, then the control system can experience costly errors.
[0006] The disclosed innovation allows a distributed directory to be utilized in retention
of control system information and making the information available. A gather component
collects information from a controller and a placement component populates the collected
information into a directory. Various features can be practiced in relation to placement
of information upon the distributed directory. A newly added module can automatically
publish information to the distributed directory and populated information can have
limited access rights. In addition, practice of aspects of the disclosed innovation
can facilitate creation of a new directory automatically.
[0007] The disclosed innovation teaches against conventional industry practice; conventional
practice focuses on utilization of a centralized directory. In addition, since directory
parameters can be complex and highly important, directories are commonly generated
manually. The disclosed innovation focuses directory building, specifically distributed
directory building, in a new direction - the direction of automatic creation.
[0008] The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative
aspects of the specification. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few
of the various ways in which the principles of the specification can be employed.
Other advantages and novel features of the specification will become apparent from
the following detailed description of the specification when considered in conjunction
with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a representative distributed directory population system in accordance
with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a representative distributed directory population system with
a detailed gather component in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a representative distributed directory population system with
a detailed placement component in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a representative system for adding information to a distributed
directory concerning a newly added controller in accordance with an aspect of the
subject specification.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a representative distributed directory construction system in
accordance with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a representative directory population methodology in accordance
with an aspect of the subject specification.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a representative methodology for populating a distributed directory
with information from a newly coupled controller in accordance with an aspect of the
subject specification.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a representative data placement methodology in accordance with
an aspect of the subject specification.
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a schematic block diagram of a computing environment
in accordance with an aspect subject specification.
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a block diagram of a computer operable to execute
the disclosed architecture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein
like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following
description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth
to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It can be evident,
however, that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details.
In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form
to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.
[0020] As used in this application, the terms "component," "module," "system," "interface,"
or the like are generally intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware,
a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example,
a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor,
a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a
computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a controller and
the controller can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process
and/or thread of execution and a component can be localized on one computer and/or
distributed between two or more computers. As another example, an interface can include
I/O components as well as associated processor, application, and/or API components.
[0021] As used herein, the terms to "infer" or "inference" refer generally to the process
of reasoning about or deducing states of the system, environment, and/or user from
a set of observations as captured via events and/or data. Inference can be employed
to identify a specific context or action, or can generate a probability distribution
over states, for example. The inference can be probabilistic-that is, the computation
of a probability distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of
data and events. Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level
events from a set of events and/or data. Such inference results in the construction
of new events or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether
or not the events are correlated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events
and data come from one or several event and data sources.
[0022] Furthermore, the claimed subject matter can be implemented as a method, apparatus,
or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques
to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer
to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of manufacture" as used
herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer readable
device, carrier, or media. For example, computer readable media can include but are
not limited to magnetic storage devices (
e.
g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips...), optical disks (
e.
g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)...), smart cards, and flash memory
devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive... ). Additionally it should be appreciated
that a carrier wave can be employed to carry computer-readable electronic data such
as those used in transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in accessing a network
such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Of course, those skilled in the
art will recognize many modifications can be made to this configuration without departing
from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter.
[0023] Moreover, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance,
or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily
to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather,
use of the word exemplary is intended to disclose concepts in a concrete fashion.
As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather
than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context,
"X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations.
That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A
or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles
"a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally
be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context
to be directed to a singular form. Moreover, it is to be appreciated that determinations
or inferences made throughout the subject specification can be practiced through implementation
of artificial intelligence techniques.
[0024] Now referring to FIG. 1, an example system 100 is disclosed for populating information
upon a distributed directory. A common industrial control system can include a number
of controllers and associated devices integrated together capable of performing different
tasks. To share information with relative ease and security in a reliable manner,
a distributed directory can be implemented.
[0025] A distributed directory is oftentimes a set of services similar to a telephone book
that allows for management of an industrial control system. Information located in
the distributed directory can be stored in another location, such as local storage
of a controller. The distributed directory can configure as an ordered collection
of searchable keys (
e.
g., names and addresses) used to locate information and services.
[0026] A distributed directory can allow controllers to advertise different services to
other controllers. For instance, if a mixer is not being used, then the mixer can
advertise availability though the distributed directory as well as semi-static data,
such as an address of the mixer. In addition, metadata related to different devices
can be shared through the distributed directory; a mixer can disclose properties that
can be beneficial to other modules, such as that a mixer is glass lined. The distributed
directory is distributed across several nodes, thus the distributed directory is more
failure tolerant. Commonly, there is not a single point of failure such that an industrial
control system can operate with a node failure. Moreover, the distributed directory
can grow and change based upon different relationships and controllers available.
[0027] The system 100 allows information to be placed upon a distributed directory of an
industrial control system. A gather component 102 can collect information from a component
(
e.
g, devices, software modules, enterprise systems, and the like) and perform processing
upon the gathered information. A controller can be any suitable industrial control,
such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), an industrial control emulation device,
or like device. According to one embodiment, a controller can test a mixer to determine
a cleanliness level. The gather component 102 can extract the cleanliness level from
the controller as well as relevant metadata, such as an address of the mixer and a
time when the level was taken.
[0028] A placement component 104 can populate at least a portion of collected information
upon a distributed directory. Population can include placing new information in the
directory as well as deleting old entries and replacing deleted details with collected
information. Determinations can be made on what information qualifies for placement
upon the directory as well as information to be locally stored (
e.
g., for possible later placement) or deleted (
e.
g., from storage of a component of the system 100). Additionally, the placement component
104 can determine how information is to be populated in the distributed directory
and implement population accordingly. The placement component 104 can populate open
areas of a distributed directory with information (
e.
g., free space) as well as populate information through selective management (
e.
g., placing data in a directory where data already exists and can include deletion,
compression, prioritization, and so forth). While portions of the subject specification
discuss the disclosed innovation in relation to controllers, it is to be appreciated
that aspects can be practiced with various components, including devices, software
modules, enterprise systems, and so on.
[0029] Now referring to FIG. 2, an example system 200 is disclosed for populating information
upon a distributed directory with a representative expanded gather component 102.
A communication component 202 can engage with other components (
e.
g., controllers) to transfer information, such as to send a request for information,
receiving information,
etc. Operation can take place wirelessly, in a hard-wired manner, employment of security
technology (
e.
g., encryption),
etc. Moreover, the communication component 202 can utilize various protective features,
such as performing a virus scan on collected data and blocking information that is
positive for a virus.
[0030] A search component 204 can learn of a device such as a controller (
e.
g., become aware the controller is electronically coupled to an industrial control
configuration) or learns of at least one change in a configuration of the device,
where in one embodiment, collection of information from the controller does not take
place until the search component learns of the controller or learns of at least one
change in the configuration of the device. A search component 204 can locate different
sources, such as controllers, storage and the like from which information can be obtained.
Some industrial control systems can be continually changing, with various modules
being added and removed. For instance, a configuration of a module in an industrial
control system can change and the change reflects into the directory (e.g., a new
program added to a controller is placed in the directory). The search component 204
can perform continuous checks to determine locations of different sources as well
as relationships between the sources. Moreover, a local network map can be retained
of known sources as well as source relationships; a check can be periodically made
to update the map. It is possible that controllers entering an industrial control
configuration advertise relevant metadata automatically, thus information can be collected
by the gather component 102 before the search component 204 learns of the controller
or automatically advertised information is how the search component 204 learns of
the controller.
[0031] An address component 206 can determine location information or a path to a device,
location information or the path can be placed upon the distributed directory. The
address can be an absolute address (
e.
g., a location name), a relative address (
e.
g., a location in relation to other units), and the like. Analysis of the industrial
control configuration can take place to determine address details concerning the controller.
[0032] A security component 208 can regulate distributed directory information that can
be ascertained by the device or selectively mask distributed directory information
with regard to at least one module (
e.
g., commonly not a device providing the information). Oftentimes, information is intended
to have limited access. For instance, if a newly added component is made and expected
to be serviced by a third party, then trade secret information will commonly not want
to be made available to the controller. Therefore, the security component 208 can
regulate information (
e.
g., distributed directory entries) that can be accessed by a controller. Conversely,
a controller can have information that is not to be available to modules linked with
the distributed directory, such as authentication codes. The security component 208
can limit accessibility of the information to certain controllers while still having
the information placed upon the distributed directory.
[0033] An interrogation component 210 can resolve information of the device for collection,
the gather component 102 can collect at least a portion of resolved information. It
can be common for a controller to have a relatively vast amount of different details
and not all details are often relevant for publication upon a distributed directory.
The interrogation component 210 can determine information that has a relatively high
likelihood of being selected for population and the determined information can be
collected.
[0034] Different details, such as collected information, component operating instructions
(
e.
g., of the search component 204), source location and path, a configuration map,
etc. can be held on storage 212. Storage 212 can arrange in a number of different configurations,
including as random access memory, battery-backed memory, hard disk, magnetic tape,
etc. Various features can be implemented upon storage 212, such as compression and automatic
back up (
e.
g., use of a Redundant Array of Independent Drives configuration). A placement component
104 can populate the distributed directory with collected information.
[0035] Now referring to FIG. 3, an example system 300 is disclosed for populating information
upon a distributed directory with a representative expanded placement component 104.
A gather component 102 can collect information from a device located upon an industrial
control configuration implementing the system 300. The controller can be a newly added
module as well as an existing module with changed information. The placement component
104 can determine collected information that is to be published upon a distributed
directory.
[0036] Metadata related to the distributed directory as well as collection information can
be used to assist in information population. An analysis component 302 can assess
collected information to determine information that should be populated upon the distributed
directory. Common analysis includes identifying different pieces of information and
categorizing identified information (
e.
g., there is a bowl lining property of a mixer and the property can be classified as
a physical attribute).
[0037] An evaluation component 304 can appraise the distributed directory to determine relevant
parameters. For instance, the distributed directory can hold a large number of a certain
information type (
e.
g., device properties) which can be an indicator of information controllers expect
to find in the distributed directory. The evaluation component 304 can also determine
attributes of the distributed directory, such as available storage space.
[0038] A decision component 306 can select information for population into the distributed
directory, the placement component 104 can populate the distributed directory with
selected information. A result of the assessment of the analysis component can be
used in selection of information for population into the distributed directory. Moreover,
an outcome of the appraisal can be used in selection of information for population
into the distributed directory.
[0039] An artificial intelligence component 308 can make at least one inference or at least
one determination in regard to the information collection or the distributed directory
population. For example, a determination can be made when a controller is coupled
to an industrial control system and when data can be extracted from the controller.
In one illustrative instance, an inference can be made that a user change in controller
operation (
e.
g., alteration of controller computer code) will result in information changing and
thus some distributed directory information is deleted and/or replaced with other
information.
[0040] The artificial intelligence component 308 can employ one of numerous methodologies
for learning from data and then drawing inferences and/or making determinations related
to applying a service (
e.
g., Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and related prototypical dependency models, more general
probabilistic graphical models, such as Bayesian networks,
e.
g., created by structure search using a Bayesian model score or approximation, linear
classifiers, such as support vector machines (SVMs), non-linear classifiers, such
as methods referred to as "neural network" methodologies, fuzzy logic methodologies,
and other approaches that perform data fusion,
etc.) in accordance with implementing various automated aspects described herein. Methods
also include methods for the capture of logical relationships such as theorem provers
or more heuristic rule-based expert systems.
[0041] Now referring to FIG. 4, an example system 400 is disclosed for populating a distributed
directory 402 with information from a controller 404 newly added or modified to an
industrial control configuration. A module 406 can include various components disclosed
in the subject specification. Moreover, the module 406 can couple to the controller
404 or the distributed directory 402 as well as other units.
[0042] An engagement component 408 can facilitate connection of a controller such that the
controller becomes 'newly coupled'. A newly coupled controller can include a controller
that has never before coupled with the control configuration, has previously coupled
to the control configuration, but was severed (
e.
g., virtually instantaneous severing and re-coupling), has previously coupled at through
a different entry point than currently used, and the like. The engagement component
408 can operate as a means for engaging a module newly coupled to an industrial control
configuration.
[0043] A gather component 102 can collect information from the engaged controller 404. A
selection component 410 can determine characteristics of the engaged controller. Since
the controller is newly coupled, it can be difficult to appreciate initially how the
controller interacts with other units and thus information that is likely to be beneficial.
The selection component 410 evaluates the controller 404 and predicts information
that is to be placed in the distributed directory.
[0044] A placement component 104 can populate information into the distributed directory
(
e.
g., information about the controller 404, information about an industrial system, and
the like). The placement component 104 can function as a means for augmenting a distributed
directory with metadata that concerns the engaged module. In a situation where the
newly coupled module has not previously been coupled to the industrial control configuration,
augmentation can include adding data to the distributed directory. However, if the
newly coupled module has previously been coupled to the industrial control configuration,
augmentation can include updating entries in the distributed directory added during
a previous coupling of the module.
[0045] According to one embodiment, the means for augmenting a distributed directory with
metadata that concerns the engaged component operates automatically. In this case,
the placement component 104 can include a means for manually overriding the means
for augmenting the distributed directory. However, the means for augmenting a distributed
directory with metadata that concerns the engaged component can operate manually (
e.
g., through commands collected from a terminal upon which a user can enter data for
augmentation).
[0046] The placement component 104 can continuously update information upon the distributed
directory 402. For instance, as characteristics of the controller 404 change, the
placement component 104 can modify entries accordingly. In addition, if some information
placed in the distributed directory was inappropriately placed (
e.
g., from incorrect choice of the selection component 410), then the placement component
104 can change an entry to convey more appropriate information.
[0047] Now referring to FIG. 5, an example system 500 is disclosed for creating a directory
automatically, commonly the created directory is a distributed directory. A module
502 can communicate upon industrial control system and create a distributed directory
based on information commonly originating from at least two controllers 504 and 506.
Creation of the new distributed directory can take place upon a new industrial control
system as well as an existing system.
[0048] An identification component 508 can discover controllers (
e.
g., entities including modules, machines, software, hardware, firmware, and the like),
such as controllers 504 and 506 that are included in the industrial control system.
Additionally, metadata that relates to capabilities of the controllers can be ascertained
(
e.
g., through practicing techniques of the gather component 102). In an illustrative
instance, a distributed directory can be ultimately created upon storage of the controllers
504 and 506. Data related to storage capabilities of the controllers can be beneficial
in determining parameters to associate with the distributed directory.
[0049] A creation component 510 can construct a distributed directory such that information
can be retained and accessed. Various parameters can be taken into account and predictions
can be made in relation to the distributed directory. For instance, if available storage
is highly volatile memory, then the distributed directory can be built such that several
back-up capabilities are utilized.
[0050] A gather component 102 can obtain information from controllers and other units. According
to one embodiment, the gather component 102 (
e.
g., through use of the engagement component 408 of FIG. 4) can collect information
from a newly added controller. The identification component 508 can evaluate the newly
added controller to determine if aspects can be used to enhance the distributed directory.
The creation component 510 can amend the distributed directory to include capabilities
of the newly added controller.
[0051] A placement component 104 can populate the distributed directory with information
of controllers, including the controllers 504 and 506 that are used in constructing
the distributed directory. The placement component 104 can perform tests upon the
distributed directory to determine if a failure is taking place. If a failure is occurring,
is expected to occur, and so forth, then the placement component 104 can instruct
the creation component 510 to modify the distributed directory in an attempt to rectify
the failure. The creation component 510 can analyze the suggestion, determine an estimated
appropriate remedy, and implement the remedy.
[0052] Now referring to FIG. 6, an example methodology 600 is disclosed for creating and
populating a distributed directory. At block 602, various parameters can be established
for a distributed directory. A distributed directory can have different parameters
to achieve goals related to an industrial control system. An example parameter can
be that for a controller to access information, an authorization key should be provided.
[0053] Different controllers of an industrial system configuration can be identified at
action 604. Commonly, action 604 can include locating at least two controllers, determining
paths or addresses of the controllers, and ascertaining characteristics of the controllers
(
e.
g., the controllers have digital storage). Operation of action 604 can result in identifying
a set of at least two controllers.
[0054] At event 606, a directory can be created (
e.
g., a distributed directory) based upon established parameters. Creation of a directory
can include allocating storage space, creating a storage hierarchy configuration,
and sending notification to controllers on how to access information from the directory.
Event 606 can implement as creating a directory for population of metadata automatically
from at least a subset of the controllers (
e.
g., a subset includes a set as well as a portion less than a whole of a set).
[0055] Metadata can be collected concerning controllers, relationships, and the like through
action 608. The information can be collected from newly coupled controllers as well
as controllers already coupled. Example collection can include extraction of information,
downloading, making a local copy of information held in storage, and the like.
[0056] At block 610, determinations can be made on collected metadata that is to be populated
upon the created directory. Commonly, a vast amount of metadata can be supplied by
a controller, but oftentimes not all metadata is appropriate for placement in the
directory. If too much metadata is made available in a directory, processing times
can be slowed and requesting controllers can become overburdened with information.
Determinations can be made to sort between valuable data and data that should not
be published (
e.
g., not currently published, but can be published at a later time).
[0057] Action 612 allows considerations of the metadata to be taken into account before
placement upon the distributed directory. The metadata can have restrictions that
should be followed with regard to placement upon the distributed directory. In an
illustrative instance, a mixer can be lined with a metal alloy. The mixer can be programmed
to allow controllers to know that the mixer is metal alloy lined, but not the composition
of the alloy. Action 612 can ensure that restrictions, limitations, desires, and the
like related to metadata can be followed.
[0058] Metadata can populate upon the directory with regard to metadata considerations at
event 614. Population of the metadata (
e.
g., publishing metadata) can include assigning the metadata to particular memory locations
of the distributed directory. The directory can determine where information should
be placed and population can take place in accordance with directory determinations.
[0059] Different checks can take place to verify population of the metadata at action 616.
Verification can include determining if information was correctly placed into the
directory and if not correctly placed, then making a suitable modification. According
to one embodiment, a controller can be assigned a responsibility to refresh information
periodically - if information is not refreshed, then the information is deleted from
the directory. Action 616 can check if information has been updated and if not, then
perform appropriate deletion.
[0060] Now referring to FIG. 7, an example methodology 700 is disclosed for populating a
directory with data from a newly coupled controller. A controller newly engaged to
an industrial control implementation can be identified at action 702. Identification
can include learning attributes of the controller, determining a path to the controller,
and the like. Upon identification of the controller, it is to be appreciated that
a directory (
e.
g., distributed directory) can be created.
[0061] A check 704 can take place determining if there have been previous engagements between
the controller and the industrial control system. A 'newly' coupled controller can
include a controller that has never coupled to an industrial control system as well
as a controller that has been added, but had a previous engagement no longer existing.
According to one example, a new controller was coupled at one access point, removed,
and re-coupled at a different access point.
[0062] If there have been previous engagements, then old data can be extracted at event
706. Commonly, old data, such a binding relationships can be retained from a controller
(
e.
g., in the controller, in the distributed directory, as well as other locations). The
old data can be extracted and used in publication of information upon the distributed
directory.
[0063] Regardless of the outcome of the check 704, the controller can be evaluated to determine
data for publication at act 708. For instance, information of the controller can be
gathered such as characteristics of a device associated with the controller. Other
comparisons can be made, such as similarities between the controller and other entities
upon the distributed directory.
[0064] A check 710 can take place to determine if there is to be publication of data related
to the controller upon the distributed directory. It is possible that a controller
has no information that is worthwhile of publication. Therefore, the methodology 700
can return to action 702 - however, it is to be appreciated that action 702 can operate
continuously as other acts take place.
[0065] If data is to be published, then a determination can be made as to what data is to
be published at event 712. Since an industrial control system can become overburdened
with too much information, selections can be made as to what information merits publication.
Determinations and inferences can be made to select information for publication.
[0066] The determined data can be issued to other controllers through utilization of the
distributed directory at act 714. Analysis of the distributed directory can take place
and based upon the analysis appropriate locations for data can be ascertained. Act
714 facilitates placement of the data in the directory in at least some of the appropriate
locations, such that different entities can access the data.
[0067] Now referring to FIG. 8, an example methodology 800 is disclosed for placement of
data upon a distributed directory. While similar to methodologies 600 of FIG. 6 and
700 of FIG. 7, the methodology 800 details actions related to data. At block 802,
data can be gathered from different controllers of an industrial control configuration.
Gathering of data can take place in accordance with various aspects disclosed through
the subject specification.
[0068] A check 804 can take place to determine if data has enough value to be placed into
the distributed directory. If data is not valuable enough (
e.
g., through comparison against a threshold value) to be placed upon the directory,
then more information can be gathered. If data is to be placed in the distributed
directory, then a determination is made on specific data for placement at act 806.
[0069] At block 808, the distributed directory can be analyzed to assist in how data should
be placed. For instance, open memory locations can be determined as well as how the
directory is structured. Based upon an analysis result, a specific arrangement can
be selected at event 810. An arrangement can be selected randomly, a manner that is
most efficient for directory operation, a most logical manner, in a grouped manner,
and the like. While the subject specification discloses placement of information related
to an industrial control configuration (
e.
g., an intranet), practicing of aspects can allow for population of the directory with
outside information (
e.
g., from an internet).
[0070] Information can be placed in the distributed directory according to the selected
arrangement at act 812. At block 814, a validation check can take place in view of
data placed in the distributed directory. Validation can include maintaining the distributed
directory, including modifying a directory schema base on queries (e.g., user queries)
to the directory.
[0071] While aspects of the subject specification specifically discuss a distributed directory,
it is to be appreciated that at least some aspects can be practiced regarding other
directories. For purposes of simplicity of explanation, methodologies that can be
implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter were shown and described
as a series of blocks. However, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed
subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks can occur
in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and
described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks can be required to implement
the methodologies described hereinafter. Additionally, it should be further appreciated
that the methodologies disclosed throughout this specification are capable of being
stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such
methodologies to computers. The term article of manufacture, as used, is intended
to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier,
or media.
[0072] To provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, FIGs.
9 and 10 as well as the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general
description of a suitable environment in which the various aspects of the disclosed
subject matter can be implemented. While the subject matter has been described above
in the general context of computer-executable instructions of a program that runs
on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject
matter described herein also can be implemented in combination with other program
modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures,
etc. that perform particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods can be practiced
with other computer system configurations, including single-processor, multiprocessor
or multi-core processor computer systems, mini-computing devices, mainframe computers,
as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices (
e.
g., personal digital assistant (PDA), phone, watch...), microprocessor-based or programmable
consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can also
be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote
processing devices that are linked through a communications network. However, some,
if not all aspects of the claimed subject matter can be practiced on stand-alone computers.
In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local
and remote memory storage devices.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a schematic block diagram of a computing
environment 900 in accordance with the subject specification. The system 900 includes
one or more client(s) 902. The client(s) 902 can be hardware and/or software (
e.
g., threads, processes, computing devices). The client(s) 902 can house cookie(s) and/or
associated contextual information by employing the specification, for example.
[0074] The system 900 also includes one or more server(s) 904. The server(s) 904 can also
be hardware and/or software (
e.
g., threads, processes, computing devices). The servers 904 can house threads to perform
transformations by employing the specification, for example. One possible communication
between a client 902 and a server 904 can be in the form of a data packet adapted
to be transmitted between two or more computer processes. The data packet can include
a cookie and/or associated contextual information, for example. The system 900 includes
a communication framework 906 (
e.
g., a global communication network such as the Internet) that can be employed to facilitate
communications between the client(s) 902 and the server(s) 904.
[0075] Communications can be facilitated
via a wired (including optical fiber) and/or wireless technology. The client(s) 902 are
operatively connected to one or more client data store(s) 908 that can be employed
to store information local to the client(s) 902 (
e.
g., cookie(s) and/or associated contextual information). Similarly, the server(s) 904
are operatively connected to one or more server data store(s) 910 that can be employed
to store information local to the servers 904.
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a block diagram of a computer operable
to execute the disclosed architecture. To provide additional context for various aspects
of the subject specification, FIG. 10 and the following discussion are intended to
provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment 1000 in which
the various aspects of the specification can be implemented. While the specification
has been described above in the general context of computer-executable instructions
that can run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the specification also can be implemented in combination with other program modules
and/or as a combination of hardware and software.
[0077] Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures,
etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods can be practiced
with other computer system configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor
computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers,
hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.
[0078] The illustrated aspects of the specification can also be practiced in distributed
computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices
that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment,
program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
[0079] A computer typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable
media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer and includes
both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of
example, and not limitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage
media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile,
removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage
of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules
or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM,
flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other
optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or
other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the
desired information and which can be accessed by the computer.
[0080] Communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures,
program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or
other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated
data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed
in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not
limitation, communication media include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired
connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.
Combinations of the any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0081] With reference again to FIG. 10, the example environment 1000 for implementing various
aspects of the specification includes a computer 1002, the computer 1002 including
a processing unit 1004, a system memory 1006 and a system bus 1008. The system bus
1008 couples system components including, but not limited to, the system memory 1006
to the processing unit 1004. The processing unit 1004 can be any of various commercially
available processors or proprietary specific configured processors. Dual microprocessors
and other multi-processor architectures can also be employed as the processing unit
1004.
[0082] The system bus 1008 can be any of several types of bus structure that can further
interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus,
and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 1006 includes read-only memory (ROM) 1010 and random access memory
(RAM) 1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatile memory
1010 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help
to transfer information between elements within the computer 1002, such as during
start-up. The RAM 1012 can also include a high-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching
data.
[0083] The computer 1002 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 1014 (
e.
g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1014 can also be configured for external
use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1016, (
e.
g., to read from or write to a removable diskette 1018) and an optical disk drive 1020,
(
e.
g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1022 or, to read from or write to other high capacity optical
media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1014, magnetic disk drive 1016 and optical
disk drive 1020 can be connected to the system bus 1008 by a hard disk drive interface
1024, a magnetic disk drive interface 1026 and an optical drive interface 1028, respectively.
The interface 1024 for external drive implementations includes at least one or both
of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies. Other external
drive connection technologies are within contemplation of the subject specification.
[0084] The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage
of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the
computer 1002, the drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable
digital format. Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to
a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media such as a CD or
DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of media
which are readable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory
cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the example operating environment,
and further, that any such media can contain computer-executable instructions for
performing the methods of the specification.
[0085] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1012, including an
operating system 1030, one or more application programs 1032, other program modules
1034 and program data 1036. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 1012. It is appreciated that the
specification can be implemented with various proprietary or commercially available
operating systems or combinations of operating systems.
[0086] A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1002 through one or more
wired/wireless input devices,
e.
g., a keyboard 1038 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 1040. Other input devices
(not shown) can include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,
a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected
to the processing unit 1004 through an input device interface 1042 that is coupled
to the system bus 1008, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel
port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface,
etc.
[0087] A monitor 1044 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus
1008
via an interface, such as a video adapter 1046. In addition to the monitor 1044, a computer
typically includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers,
printers,
etc.
[0088] The computer 1002 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections
via wired and/or wireless communications to one or more remote computers, such as a remote
computer(s) 1048. The remote computer(s) 1048 can be a workstation, a server computer,
a router, a personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment
appliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many
or all of the elements described relative to the computer 1002, although, for purposes
of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1050 is illustrated. The logical connections
depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1052 and/or
larger networks,
e.
g., a wide area network (WAN) 1054. Such LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace
in offices and companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as
intranets, all of which can connect to a global communications network, e.g., the
Internet.
[0089] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1002 is connected to the
local network 1052 through a wired and/or wireless communication network interface
or adapter 1056. The adapter 1056 can facilitate wired or wireless communication to
the LAN 1052, which can also include a wireless access point disposed thereon for
communicating with the wireless adapter 1056.
[0090] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1002 can include a modem
1058, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN 1054, or has other means
for establishing communications over the WAN 1054, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 1058, which can be internal or external and a wired or wireless device,
is connected to the system bus 1008
via the input device interface 1042. In a networked environment, program modules depicted
relative to the computer 1002, or portions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage
device 1050. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are example
and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers can be
used.
[0091] The computer 1002 is operable to communicate with any wireless devices or entities
operatively disposed in wireless communication,
e.
g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable data assistant,
communications satellite, any piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly
detectable tag (
e.
g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth™ wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure
as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication between at least
two devices.
[0092] Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from a couch at home,
a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless
technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such devices,
e.
g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range
of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b,
g,
etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be
used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which
use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz
radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example,
or with products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can provide
real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks used in
many offices.
[0093] The aforementioned systems have been described with respect to interaction among
several components. It should be appreciated that such systems and components can
include those components or sub-components specified therein, some of the specified
components or sub-components, and/or additional components. Sub-components can also
be implemented as components communicatively coupled to other components rather than
included within parent components. Additionally, it should be noted that one or more
components could be combined into a single component providing aggregate functionality.
The components could also interact with one or more other components not specifically
described herein but known by those of skill in the art.
[0094] What has been described above includes examples of the subject specification. It
is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components
or methodologies for purposes of describing the subject specification, but one of
ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations
of the subject specification are possible. Accordingly, the subject specification
is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall
within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that
the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such
term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising"
is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.